Remove the glass from the hutch. Most glass secures with glazing clips that are screwed into the wood. remove the screws with a screwdriver. If any of the glass needs to be replaced, contact a glass professional to cut the shape to fit. Remove any hardware from the hutch.
Strip away the old finish by applying a chemical stripper per the manufacturer's instructions. The product will loosen the varnish or old paint, allowing you to gently scrape it off using a putty knife. All of the old finish must be removed before applying new.
Sand the nooks and crannies. Many old wooden hutches have intricate or ornate carvings. Use a midgrade sandpaper to sand off the old finish in these areas by hand, sanding with the grain of the wood.
Fill in any dents or gouges with wood putty. Apply a small amount using the putty knife and smooth until the edges are blend in to their surroundings. Allow the putty to dry completely.
Apply a new coat of stain or paint to the hutch. Begin with the ornamental parts, using the corner of a paint brush. Completely cover the hutch as evenly as possible. Allow it to dry.
Apply a coat of varnish or clear coat to protect the new finish. Allow it to dry. Repeat if desired.
Reinstall the glass and the hutch hardware.